Revised Social Benefits, Real Estate, and Regulatory Updates Take Effect in February

No time to read?
Get a summary

From February 1, Russia will index a broad range of social benefits, including maternity capital, with adjustments that touch many families and public services. The updates also shorten the time allowed to fix errors in the Unified State Real Estate Register and expand options for modifying land parcels. These changes were reported by circulating Russian news coverage and reflect ongoing reforms in social and property administration.

In another stream of reform, banks will begin notifying depositors at least five days before deposits expire, giving customers clearer time to decide next steps. Debt collection agencies will be brought into a dedicated registry, and new rules will govern robotic collectors, aiming to increase transparency in communications with debtors.

According to Social Security authorities, more than 40 social benefits and payments for disabled individuals, veterans, and other privileged categories will be indexed at 7.4% starting in February. Specific increases apply to monthly cash payments, maternity capital, child care support, and several other benefits, helping to protect purchasing power for vulnerable groups.

The process for correcting errors in the Unified State Register will be streamlined to a one-month window, down from three months. In addition, corrections will permit a larger adjustment of land areas, increasing parcel sizes by up to 10% rather than the previous 5%. The data provided for property evaluations will also include indicators on whether a home requires maintenance, enhancing the accuracy of property assessments.

To curb illicit alcohol production and sales, state regulators will conduct inspections of factories automatically listed in the producer register from February 1 through May 31, 2025. These checks aim to uncover underreported production volumes and ensure compliance with labeling and safety standards.

Starting in February, banks will inform depositors about expiring deposits with sufficient lead time, supporting informed financial decisions. In parallel, debt collection will be overseen by a new, centralized FSSP registry, with mandatory recording of conversations with debtors to improve accountability in collections processes and consumer protection.

From February 27 onward, the labeling rules for food additives will tighten. Some previously permitted items will be removed, new items will be added, and the labeling of modified starches will be simplified to improve clarity for consumers and manufacturers alike.

The legal framework for family support measures continues to evolve, with ongoing provisions affecting single parents and their children, ensuring that welfare policies respond to changing family dynamics and needs.

In parallel, pensions will see an uplift beginning in February, reinforcing income support for retirees as part of the broader social protection package. The combined effect of these measures is intended to strengthen financial stability, improve regulatory oversight, and enhance consumer protections across various sectors. Source: coverage from Russian news outlets

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

The enduring impact of Lech Kaczyński and the Lublin monument

Next Article

Rosneft Champions Domestic Innovation and Digital Modernization at Rossiya Forum